For each of the following pairs, which is the larger unit? c. m or km

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the units in the pair: 'c. m' stands for centimeters and 'km' stands for kilometers.
2. Understand the metric prefixes: 'centi-' means one hundredth (1/100) and 'kilo-' means one thousand (1000).
3. Convert each unit to the base unit, meters (m): 1 cm = 0.01 m and 1 km = 1000 m.
4. Compare the converted values: 0.01 m (for cm) and 1000 m (for km).
5. Determine which is larger: Since 1000 m is greater than 0.01 m, kilometers (km) is the larger unit.

Key Concepts

Metric System

The metric system is an internationally recognized decimal-based system of measurement. It includes units such as meters for length, grams for mass, and liters for volume. Understanding the metric system is essential for comparing different units, as it provides a standardized framework for measurement.

Kilometer vs. Centimeter

A kilometer (km) is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, while a centimeter (cm) is a unit of length equal to 0.01 meters. This means that one kilometer is significantly larger than one centimeter, as it encompasses a much greater distance. Recognizing the scale of these units is crucial for determining which is larger.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion involves changing a measurement from one unit to another while maintaining the same quantity. In the context of the metric system, this often requires multiplying or dividing by powers of ten. Mastery of unit conversion is vital for accurately comparing different measurements, such as determining whether cm or km is larger.